There is just something frenchy about a footed tray!
The beautiful vintage pattern of tiny grapes and delicate tendrils gracing a fork just says France to me!
I love the patina of vintage silverplate flatware with those fabulous blunt blade knives…
…and the way old silverplate trays reflect everything around them!
But I think my favorite thing about vintage silverplate is the wonderful array of pieces whose use is sometimes a mystery…although years ago everyone would have known instantly that this is a roll top butter dish!
And, of course, to go with it, there must be butter knives in a variety of patterns! You may have already guessed my favorite…the one in the foreground with the grape motif and that unusual twist handle!
But best of all is antique quadruple silverplate! Once you learn to spot it, you will know instantly that the piece you have in your hands is over 100 years old since it wasn’t manufactured after 1900! And here’s where things become a really interesting guessing game. It’s pretty easy to figure out that this antique castor set with its shakers and cruets was used for seasoning the dishes at the table.
And this must be a sugar bowl…made of quadruple silverplate that has not fared very well…
…and has the most wonderful whimsical duck head holding the handle in its mouth!
But now it’s getting a little harder! Do you know what these are? They have entirely disappeared from modern use, but would have been on every well-dressed table a century ago! They are master sugar spooners, the one on the left having lost its lid long ago. I adore the little bird on the lid of the other! 
It's a demi-tasse spooner, a petite version of its lidless big brother. I love the way it adds elegance to afternoon tea!
And here’s a piece of quadruple silverplate whose use has definitely fallen out of favor. Baby Kitty wants to know if you can guess what it is!
Here’s a closer look after it was all polished up…funny little legs, intricate flower and ribbon trim and a carnation engraved in the center. Any guesses? 
It’s an antique calling card holder…playing a very important role in society a century ago! But today, it’s serving as a little tray to hold my earrings at bedtime.
My favorite thing to do with old silverplate is to use it in an unexpected way! Soooo…the lidless spooner becomes a little vase on my bedside table.
A baby porringer can be repurposed to hold lemons for tea.
Or a vintage coffee carafe…![018_thumb[5]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkGz8R6oyhPZhjORL3Jb6x_eM8Qs2fx60_Ryvq-6e25q_qatOE3lDKn3riPPg10dpTJGc7IQl_JKVg370UEVpN-lgdUKZVIRE2toz7Z47BjJ5siPM3aWG53ztqh9tbFyLq8AE2nRSSHW0/s1600-h/018_thumb%25255B5%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg "018_thumb[5]")
…can double as a pitcher for serving lemon water!
One of my favorites…pop a violet into a creamer for an elegant little planter!
And finally, add vintage flatware in unexpected places to add interest and a frenchy touch to your home. A candle wrapped in Provençal ribbon and decorated with old forks…left tarnished for a rustic touch…greets my guests when they enter!And there you have it...some fun with one of my favorites! And just in case you missed any of my posts on previous topics in our Country French Design series, here they are…
Please be sure to head over to visit my fellow Francophiles to see how they use silver to add a Country French touch in their homes! Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed seeing my vintage silver! Please visit these wonderful bloggers and their beautiful blogs to see what they are up to and to find a list of this week’s participants.
Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party , Thrifty Decor Chick for Before and After Monday , Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday , The Stories of A2Z for Tutorials and Tips Tuesday , Coastal Charm for the Show and Share Party , A Stroll thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday , My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Inspire Me Monday, Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays , French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday , Common Ground for Be Inspired on Fridays , The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday , Craftberry Bush for the Inspiration Gallery on Friday
See you next time! À la prochaine!
Also find me at…
Beautiful, Debbie! I collect metals too, and love the unusual pieces of the past like you have. Your calling card tray and twisted butter knife are cool pieces, and the bottle with lemon water looks gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteRita
Debbie, you have some wonderful pieces that I have never come across before. That called card piece is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI live all your pieces and how you use them! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, you are singing my song here! And my favorite blades on knives are the French blades you showed. I love the blunt, rounded tip on a French blade.
ReplyDeleteAnd I just love your spooners! Usually you see them in crystal so it was fun to see the silverplate ones. I also like how you used the carafe to hold lemon water. That is a great idea, and it would pour readily without splashing. Plus it looks so pretty. I will have to remember that!
I love the grape motif, too. Perfect nod to the vineyards of France.
Thanks for sharing all of these lovelies with us. Hope you enjoy your Labor Day Holiday!
xo
Sheila
You have so many lovely pieces of silver! They look so pretty paired with your beautiful china, and I love the ideas for thinking outside the box.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
Debbie these are all such gorgeous pieces. Thanks for the look at all your great items. PINNED!
ReplyDeleteCindy
Deb this is such a great post. I did not know that about the quadruple silver plate, I think I have a few pieces myself but had no idea they were that old. You use yours so beautifully in your home. fun post, I really enjoyed reading it and learning from the teacher in YOU! xo Kathysue
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I love learning about these interesting silver pieces. Over the years you have shared so many and I always enjoy seeing them. I too have a little 'thing' for butter knives! I need to find a way to display them I think! Love the twisted handled one so much!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
Debbie, you have some great pieces and know how to use them in very stylish ways. Like you, I like to repurpose vintage silver for a new, unexpected use. I'd love to find a roll top dish and a master spooner. Thanks for sharing your wonderful style.
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteI adore silver, dear friend!!!
Luckily, I have several pieces that belonged to my MoMa and Maternal Grandmother.
Still, when I'm out perusing, I add unique pieces of silver that "catch my eye".
Thank you for sharing your amazing collective pieces of silver!
Fondly,
Pat
What a fabulous post! The way in which you re-purposed many of the items is lovely.
ReplyDeleteLove all the silver, I even knew what the calling card holder was before I read it (made me feel good). Wish folks would pull out there silver and use it more. It was makes a table look so elegant and special.
ReplyDeleteWe are having a Ladies conference and we are using silver coffee and tea servers as centerpieces. I am sure I will be posting a few photos.
Cathy <;)
What a nice collection you have! I really liked the iced water pitcher.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! It makes me want to go hunting for some great pieces. :)
ReplyDeleteI started collecting silver several years ago and was drawn to the "odd" pieces. Now I know what that moving domed piece is! I love the way you display and use your items. Thank you for sharing your ideas and knowledge with us - so helpful and entertaining.
ReplyDelete